Viva España! An Amazing and Insightful Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The teachers at Tandem are fantastic. They're interactive and fun. Each has a different method of teaching which really helps when you come across a tricky subject. The amount of Spanish you learn in this program is phenomenal. I don't think I would have learned as much if I had gone somewhere else. That being said however, this program is not for someone who thinks that study abroad is just a vacation. The minimum amount of class per week is about 20 hours. If you really want to learn however, this program is fantastic.

On-site administration of your program

The administration is great. They are easily accessible and are always there to answer your questions. The coordinator for the American students is a lovely woman and she is always there to help you with absolutely any issue you may be having.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was fantastic. Words cannot begin to describe how much I enjoyed staying with them. They really did make me feel like I was a part of their family. They had a great apartment in an amazing downtown location. It was amazingly easy to get to any place in the city from where they were located. I didn't have to buy anything except toiletries with my family. They took care of everything!

Depending on your ability to try new foods it can be an amazing or a difficult experience. If you are willing to try new things you will find there are thousands of delicious options. If you aren't willing to branch out a bit, you will be stuck visiting McDonalds often.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Every week Tandem arranges cultural activities which the students can participate in. Some a free and others cost a few euros, but all are fun and informative. There are some activities with more of a culture, history base,(such as going to museums and walking tours) and others that are more hanging out having a good time (such as going to karaoke). They also arrange weekend excursions that are great because they allow you to get out of Madrid and explore the area some more.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not feel unsafe in the city. There are always people outside no matter what time of night it is, especially in the area where I was staying. But still you have to remember it is a city and if you can travel with other people and avoid being out alone at night you should do so. I only had one healthcare experience and it was easily fixed. The american director helps you make the appointment, she tells you where to go then you pay for the services when you're done. It's nice because they do have options if you get sick and they won't deny you because you don't have Spanish medical care.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

You could practice Spanish with anyone that was around basically. Walking in the street, with your host family, with all of the professors at the school, your classmates, etc. There are always people with whom you can practice. The host families speak the native language and depending on the age etc. of your host family, they might not speak a word of english. I think this is helpful as well because it allows you to practice even more. A lot of the younger people speak english, but the whole point of going to a different country is to learn their language so its worth it to only speak english in emergencies or if you need help.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family